Making arrachera steak tacos is a delightful way to enjoy the rich, tender flavor of skirt steak. Follow these detailed steps for a delicious and authentic arrachera taco experience.
#### Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) of fresh skirt steak
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
#### Equipment:
- Meat mallet or rolling pin (optional)
- Cutting board
- Chef's knife
- Large bowl
- Skillet or grill pan
- Tongs
- Tortillas
### Step 1: Preparing the Steak
1. **Remove from Refrigerator:** Take the skirt steak out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes before you plan to cook it, so it reaches room temperature.
2. **Marinate:** In a large bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add the skirt steak and mix well to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 6 hours.
### Step 2: Cooking the Steak
3. **Preheat Pan:** Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.
4. **Sear the Steak:** Remove the steak from the marinade, letting excess liquid drip off. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
5. **Cooking:** Place the steak in the hot skillet. Sear for about 3-4 minutes per side until nicely browned. For medium-rare, continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 130°F (54°C).
6. **Resting:** Once done, let it rest on a cutting board for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
### Step 3: Slicing and Assembling Tacos
7. **Slice Thinly:** Using a sharp knife, slice the arrachera steak against the grain into thin strips.
8. **Warm Tortillas:** Warm your tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 10-20 seconds on each side.
9. **Assemble Tacos:** Fill each warm tortilla with sliced arrachera steak, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, and any additional toppings you prefer like diced onion, grated cheese, or avocado.
### Step 4: Serving
10. **Garnish & Serve:** Garnish with lime wedges for squeezing over the tacos just before eating.
11. **Enjoy:** Serve immediately for best flavor!
#### Tips:
- To ensure even cooking, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.
- For an extra burst of flavor, marinate the steak overnight or up to 24 hours.
By following these detailed steps, you can enjoy delicious arrachera beef tacos that will impress your family and friends. Experiment with different toppings to find your perfect combination!